Location: La Rochelle
Top Things to do in La Rochelle
The 10 Best Things to Do in La Rochelle, France
Located on the Bay of Biscay, La Rochelle’s history mostly involved the sea; today it has a large pleasure-boat marina. Thus its heart is the picturesque "Vieux Port" ("Old Harbor"). The city retains a rich architectural heritage, and has an aquarium, attractive gardens and a natural-history museum. Book early for summer; mid-July in particular features Francofolies, a huge French music festival.
Restaurants in La Rochelle
1. Vieux Port
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Goldig - San Mateo Ca
So much to see and a beautiful spot. Lucky for us we had perfect weather to wander around in the whole area. A real tourist destination for fine weather. We hadn't been here before and wonder why because it is worth going out of the way to visit La Rochelle and its attractions.
2. Musee d'histoire naturelle de La Rochelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By stella317 - leicestershire
We went for the special exhibition on monstrous forms from nature, which was small but fascinating and with lots for children to explore and play with. We were equally taken with the permanent exhibition which crams the excitement of the natural world into a few big rooms. The specimens are bright and look new although many are more than a hundred years old. Well worth a visit.
3. Towers of La Rochelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Looking out to the Atlantic, the Tour Saint-Nicolas (14th century), the Tour de la Chaîne (14th century) and the Tour de la Lanterne (12th and15th century) are the remains of a great fortification building campaign undertaken in the City of La Rochelle from 1199. The Tour Saint-Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaîne form the majestic gateway to the Old Port and for ten centuries formed the key defensive bastions to the city. As true palatial constructions and city Castles, they are the symbol of a city with a very rich hand proud seafaring and trading heritage. The Tour de la Lanterne, the oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast and then a navy prison, contains over 600 examples of graffiti carved into the walls by prisoners in over 3 centuries. Open: > 1st April to 30th September: Tower Saint-Nicolas: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. ; Tower of La Chaîne and La Lanterne: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2.15 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2.15 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 1 tower ticket : 6 € ; 3 towers ticket : 8,50 € ; Concessions (18 to 25) = 1 tower ticket : 4 € ; 3 towers ticket : 5,50 € ; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By Mo P - Stone, United Kingdom
These imposing towers are a beauty to behold. Our airbnb is just metres from two of them and you can while away the hours watching the towers come day or come night, whatever the weather, with changing views all the time.
4. Marche du Centre Ville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By gillian p - Manchester, United Kingdom
Called into the markets for the first time, due to our apartment being just around the corner. We were not prepared for the fantastic array of seafood, cheeses, bread and wine on offer. My gosh, amazing. There is a cafe outside that allows you to choose a seat, and then enter the market with one of their trays, and purchase anything you want, then eat at their cafe,as long as you buy drinks. We purchased 20 oysters, that were prepared for ten euro, and the cafe outside served us bread and butter, plus a chilled bottle of gorgeous white wine. Honestly it was Devine, we sat there for two hours, speaking to other people beside us enjoying the same breakfast.....we have decided to do the same every morning, but next time , eat cheese, with red wine....it's a must.
5. Le Bunker de La Rochelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 571 reviews
Enter this bunker, built in 1941 by Germans in the city center, and discover the history of La Rochelle, freed on May 8th, 1945. Reconstituted scenes, photos, videos, period objects...
Reviewed By Woodabell - London
What a place. Fascinating! This could have been really badly done and turned into a really tacky tourist attraction but clearly this has been conceived by someone with a passion for the era and the story of the bunker. The German's aren't vilified here, merely...MoreHello, Thank you very much for your nice comment. It will a pleasure to see you again. The Bunker team.
6. Parc Charruyer
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Reviewed By MTRose - Montana Rose
We walked through here several times to enjoy the wooded area. Lots of families, walkers, runners. Follows a pretty stream, has ponds, a playground, a little animal park. Makes for a nice alternative stroll to the port area when you want to escape the city traffic. You can also continue following the path along the shore for more exercise and scenic views. Great for a peaceful, relaxing break from the city.
7. Tour Saint-Nicolas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 256 reviews
Reviewed By Stephanie9313 - Killcare, Australia
On a walk around La Rochelle with friends we decided to visit the Towers. The views are exceptional of the La Rochelle city and surrounding suburbs. Great insight to the history of the La Rochelle port and city. Little bit pricey but the views make up for it.
8. The Lighthouse of L'ile de Re
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 475 reviews
Reviewed By MTRose - Montana Rose
The lighthouse itself is nothing special. The views behind it are pretty, but there are lots of pretty views on the island. We were there in the off-season and this particular place was overly crowded - I'd hate to be here in the summer. It has a tiny parking lot - and cars are constantly coming in and out looking for a spot to park. There are a few cafes and some souvenir shops here, but there are much nicer (and less crowded) places to stop on the island. This is just an overrated day-trip 'tourist' spot.
9. Musee Maritime
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 401 reviews
Reviewed By LVR1315 - France
We visited this maritime museum and the meterological ship in the morning (on Easter Sunday), as a family of 8 (three generations) and it was a very enjoyable visit. There was also a workshop with different activities (learning different rope knots, puzzles, a game that was a cross between air hockey and mini golf?) that was fun for people of all ages and then the visit of the ship was very interesting as well. We had reserved a table at the bistro/bar on the top deck of the ship and it was a great way to finish the experience. The service was excellent and the food was very good. Our family had a wonderful time!
10. Porte de la Grosse-Horloge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By nnmercman - Camberley, United Kingdom
This is not a destination as such as there's only the building itself to see. It was the original gateway from the old harbour into town and is certainly impressive. There are numerous shops and cafes nearby and through the arch. I tried to imagine the context of the building back in the day but couldn't visualise it with all the subsequent development. No doubt it's also worth seeing at night time when everything's lit up.
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